Five riders and one horse have completed a month-long challenge to ride 100km to raise money for the Bone Cancer Research Trust.
Bishop’s Stortford equestrian Jane Skinner, 69, and her 21-year-old bay mare, Arrow, whose visit to our Indie offices in Palmers Lane back in March attracted a lot of attention when she stopped off to tell us about her impending adventure, have travelled far and wide throughout April with four fellow riders each doing a stint in the saddle – the youngest being eight.
Between them they have smashed Jane’s £150 target and have raised £282 for the charity’ s Canter for a Cure fundraiser, which gives riders the chance to help a good cause cause by doing what they love and choosing to cover either 50km, 100km or 250km throughout April. The money raised will help fund research into finding a cure and treating the disease.
Jane, of Thorley Park Road, and Arrow, who can often be spotted riding through the town centre, were supported by Abi Blakey, Liz Puller, and youngsters Rosie Thorn, 8, and Cleo Brown, 10, who shared a ride on the last day of the challenge.
Said Jane: “Throughout April Arrow has been putting her best hoof forward, clocking up the kilometres so we reach our target of 100km by month’s end. My 21-year-old Standardbred mare has been trotting through the countryside in East Herts and Essex.
“Our rides were varied, including local beauty spots; the bluebell woods above Much Hadham, the statues at Henry Moore Foundation, Perry Green, and the tomato stall at Guy and Wright in Green Tye, fetching the new season tomatoes and cucumber on the return leg.
“We also had an outing to Frinton Beach and a trip to Furneaux Pelham to visit Little Fred in his carriage who is preparing for a class at Windsor Horse show.
“It was all great fun, and importantly, raised funds for a charity that gives hope to children and young people who are the main victims of primary bone cancer. Thank you to everyone who has donated to helping the work to overcome this devastating disease.”
They also took in a ride around Southern Country Park, off Thorley Lane East, where Arrow and Jane met up with volunteers from the Friends of Southern Country Park at their monthly outdoor workshop creating new paths, repairing hedging and generally making sure the space is ready for its summer visitors.
At Frinton, Abi and Arrow enjoyed a splash in the sea and jumping the beach’s groynes.
The Bone Cancer Research Trust has extended the donations deadline to allow even more people to contribute towards the efforts of Jane, Arrow and her team of riders. Visit her Facebook fundraising page to donate.
The charity was established in 2006 and is now the leading organisation dedicated to fighting primary bone cancer with its mission to save lives and improve outcomes for people affected by the disease through research, information, awareness, and support.
Trust spokeswoman Katie Horsfall said last year’s Canter for a Cure raised more than £194,000 for life-saving research.
“The challenge was first spearheaded by Imogen Westwood, who works at the charity and knows all too well what impact the disease can have after being diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma when she was just 13 years old.
“Inspired by her love of horses and drive to help future patients, Imogen set out to harmonise her two interests — and Canter for a Cure was born.
“Raising £150 might seem like just a number on a screen, but let me tell you, it's so much more than that. It's a lifeline for bone cancer patients, providing vital support, resources, and hope for a brighter future. [Jane’s] fundraising efforts are making a real, tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most, and that's something to be incredibly proud of.”
For more information about Ewing sarcoma and the signs and symptoms please visit www.bcrt.org.uk/information/information-by-type/ewing-sarcoma
If you need information or support with any aspect of coping or dealing with primary bone cancer, contact the Bone Cancer Research Trust Support Information Service on 0800 111 4855. Alternatively, you can email them at support@bcrt.org.uk or visit www.bcrt.org.uk/support.
